2013 MLB Preview: Fantasy Baseball AL-Only Third Base Rankings

Here are the 2013 LestersLegends third base rankings for AL-only leagues.

1. Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers

All Miggy did last year was complete the Triple Crown. He’s far and away the Belle of the Third Base Ball. Cabrera should be among the top two players selected in fantasy drafts.

2. Adrian Beltre, Texas Rangers

Beltre has been dominant the past three years, averaging a .314-87-32-103-1 line. There is not reason to believe that he can’t continue to rake.

3. Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays

Longoria was limited to 273 at-bats, but managed to hit 17 home runs with a .896 OPS.

4. Brett Lawrie, Toronto Blue Jays

Lawrie has breakout potential. He had double-digit home runs and stolen bases, which make him a fantasy asset. He has the ability to contribute in all five 5×5 categories.

5. Will Middlebrooks, Boston Red Sox

Middlebrooks had 70 strikeouts in just 267 at-bats, making him a slight risk. He did post a .288-34-15-54-4 line. The power is real. He could easily be in the top 10 among all third basemen in home runs and RBI.

6. Kyle Seager, Seattle Mariners

Seager quietly posted a modest .259-62-20-86-13 line. He has some decent pop and should benefit from the changes made to Safeco Field.

7. Kevin Youkilis, New York Yankees

Youkilis has some decent power, and he’s a much better hitter than last year’s .235 average suggests. Red Sox fans aren’t happy with his new home, but fantasy owners should get decent value.

8. Mike Moustakas, Kansas City Royals

Moustakas hit 20 home runs last year, but wasn’t a significant contributor in any other category. The Royals are not an offensive force, which limits his run and RBI potential. He also strikes out too frequently to provide a decent batting average.

9. Trevor Plouffe, Minnesota Twins

Plouffe was one of the biggest surprises, smacking 24 home runs. He’s a career .231 hitter which, along with the Twins’ offense, threatens his counting numbers.

10. Manny Machado, Baltimore Orioles

Machado will turn 21 in July so there could be some growing pains, but he also brings plenty of potential.